Illegal stock of firecrackers led to disaster; owner of building only had license to sell firecrackers, says District Collector

KOCHI: Ernakulam District Collector Renu Raj said that illegal stock of firecrackers stored in the building was behind the Varapuzha accident. She also said that Jason, the owner of the building, only had a license to sell firecrackers.

"It was the illegal collection of firecrackers stored in the firecracker unit that led to the disaster that shocked the region. I've sought an explanation from the Tehsildar and Panchayat Secretary regarding the accident. A detailed investigation will be conducted on the matter," Renu Raj IAS said.

The explosion took place at the firecracker unit in Varapuzha at around 5 pm on Tuesday. A huge explosion occurred in the building where the fireworks were kept. One person who was injured in the accident died. The deceased is Davis who worked in the firecracker unit. It is reported that seven people, including children, were injured. The condition of the injured migrant worker remains critical. The injured people are Jensen, Fredina, KJ Mathayi, Esther, Elsa, Isabel and Neeraj. Workers who were inside the building at the time of the explosion and nearby residents were injured.

The building was completely destroyed in the blast. The loud crash caused damage to houses and vehicles near the building. Eyewitnesses reported that the tremors were felt within a radius of two kilometres.

The fire force, police officials and district collector reached the area soon after the accident. According to rescue workers, no one is trapped under the collapsed building.